REOMED Transformers Support Safe Power for Healthcare Equipment
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REOMED Devices now available with conformity to IEC 61000-4-11
Maintaining power integrity is critical in healthcare environments, where even a brief voltage disturbance can impact patient safety or disrupt medical procedures. REO UK’s REOMED range of medical isolation transformers provides a robust, standards-compliant solution that ensures continuity for critical systems and enables safe shutdown for non-critical equipment, all in accordance with EN 60601-1 and EN 60601-1-2.
Modern hospital infrastructure must contend with a range of power disturbances, including voltage dips and short interruptions. IEC 61000-4-11, referenced in EN 60601-1-2, sets out stringent immunity requirements. These include:
- 100% voltage drop for 0.5, 1, and 5 cycles (up to 100 ms),
- Partial voltage dips (e.g., to 70% of nominal) for up to 25 cycles,
- Extended outages up to 250 cycles (5 seconds) for testing system safety behaviour.
REOMED transformers are specifically engineered to support these requirements. They are capable of withstanding short-term events, such as a complete interruption for 0.5 cycles (approximately 10 ms at 50 Hz), ensuring that short-duration power anomalies do not compromise the functionality of supported devices. Units without this function will often experience nuisance tripping of the protection devices.
As well as compliance with this element of IEC 61000-4-11, the REOMED design also incorporates the following:
- Electrostatic shielding to minimise interference,
- Low inrush current for stability during power-up,
- And EN 60601 compliance for use in patient-connected environments.
For longer disturbances — such as a 5-second mains loss — REOMED systems form part of a broader power management strategy. In non-critical applications, such as diagnostic equipment or non-life-sustaining devices, the expectation is not to maintain operation throughout the event. Instead, compliance is often achieved through controlled and safe shutdown procedures, as permitted by the standard. The equipment:
- Detects the interruption,
- Powers down without causing hazardous conditions,
- And resumes functioning safely once power is restored.
“Medical power systems don’t need to be invincible — they need to be predictable and safe,” said Steve Hughes from REO UK. “The REOMED range supports both goals, enabling medical equipment to continue operation during brief disturbances or shut down gracefully when required.”
Already trusted in operating theatres, wards, and diagnostic departments worldwide, REOMED medical transformers are helping healthcare professionals maintain operational confidence, even when the power supply isn’t perfect.
For more information visit: https://www.reo.co.uk/solution/medical-transformers/